OBJECT <> PLASTIC <> SEARCH

Saturday, February 13, 2010

The Plano table forms part of the PL series of furnishings designed by Piretti for Anonima Castelli throughout the '60s and into the early '70s. Other designs include the Plia chair, Plona chair, Pluff stool, Platone desk, Planta coat rack and Pluvium umbrella stand. In 1972 Piretti participated at the exhibition “Italy: the New Domestic Landscape” at the Museum of Modern Art in New York with Plano, Plona, Plia, and Platone.

The Plano table by Giancarlo Piretti was released in two models, one with a round top 72 cm tall and 95 cm in diameter (1971) and another with a square top 72 cm tall and 85 cm on a side (1978). The table is constructed of reinforced polyester in four sections and diecast aluminium. The legs spread open like a fan, then the four leaf sections are lifted up and lock into place via a spring loaded mechanism. The diecast feet end in plastic glides for mobility.

The first page of the United States “Folding Table” patent, number 3,779,176. The rest of the patent can be found here. This is a detailed patent with numerous illustrations of the table and mechanisms.

Round top Plano table

The Plano folding table in white in various stages of folding. Lower picture, the original box. Image source: eBay.

The Plano folding table in brown in various stages of folding. Image source: 1stdibs seller Collage 20th Century Classics. Item is for sale at $ 2,800.

The Plano folding table in green in various stages of folding. At upper left is the label on the table. Image source: 1stdibs seller Gallery 33. Item is for sale at $4,400 (with 4 Plia chairs).

2 comments:

Love this folding table! It is as sturdy as a short step ladder. Not that I'd recommend it for that use, of course,,, but just comparing the strengths. It is just the right height and has three heights that are easily adjusted to. No assembly required. The It is very light yet so strong. You could use it for different things. Use it as a preparation table while grilling, as a TV tray even for two small people. I can recommend to others very easily. It is a great little table and so much more! A solid product!